The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 68

It doesn't take long before I can see TonDC in the distance. Lexa lets out a breath behind me, tightening her arms around my waist.

"Are you alright?" I ask worriedly.

"Yes. I was just thinking about everything we have to do." Lexa murmurs in response.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, let's just revel in the fact that we not only survived the Maunon, but made it back to TonDC in one piece." I say.

"Sha. You are right. There are just so many unknowns right now, and I do not like it."

"Is this about the hundred?" I ask.

"Yes. I know my people have not contacted them, but I worry about what will happen when we approach them. You have said they might have guns, like what the Maunon use. I do not want to fight a war on two fronts, Clarke."

"That's why I'm going to be there. If nothing else, they'll recognize me. They won't shoot us. We'll be fine." Even though I am less confident about that than I'm acting, that's the most likely scenario.

"Alright." Lexa concedes.

I take my right hand from the reigns and squeeze Lexa's hand gently. I feel her relax a little at that and decide to keep my hand there instead of taking the reigns again. We're almost to TonDC, anyway.

When we get close enough to see the guards at the entrance, I find it kind of funny how they're staring at us. They look like they've seen a ghost.

They kneel after they open the gates, respectfully saying "Heda" as we pass.

We ride to the stables, where we get off the horse. I help Lexa down, again making it look like I'm being courteous so our people don't see how she can barely get off. The horse, I mean. Bad brain, I mentally scold myself.

Lexa keeps hold of my right hand, not letting go. I don't mind at all and we walk toward the center of the village, where our people are undoubtably gathering.

Sure enough, there is a large crowd. Luna and Anya are the first to approach us.

"Lexa!"Luna rushes to Lexa and envelops her in a bear hug. My hand on the small of Lexa's back helps her keep her balance. "Oh, it is so good to see you! People began to lose hope after you were gone for five days." Once Luna releases Lexa, she surprisingly hugs me too. "Mochof (thank you) for keeping her safe, Clarke."

Luna steps back and smiles as Anya grasps Lexa's forearm. "I am glad you are okay, Lexa." This is the warmest I've ever seen her with anyone except Luna.

I'm pleasantly surprised once again when Anya grasps my forearm, too. Huh. She respects me. She doesn't say anything to me, but she doesn't need to. She nods to me after a moment and releases me.

Lexa takes my hand once again, squeezing slightly harder than normal (not painfully) like she's trying to draw strength from me.

Lexa draws herself up into her dominant, Heda posture and addresses our people, who have remained silent. Her voice rings strongly in the quiet. "Clarke and I have escaped from the Maunon. We have seen what they do to our people, and it is worse than I imagined. They hang us upside down from the ceiling and drain us of blood. They keep our people in cages and toss away the bodies as though we are garbage to get rid of." An angered murmur starts in the crowd, stopping when Lexa holds up her hand. "Soon, Clarke and I will go to the hundred, the sky people who came down before we were taken. They have technology like the Maunon, and will either be helpful allies or dangerous enemies. With their assistance, we can take down the Maunon once and for all!" Lexa says.

Her words are powerful and I can't help feeling riled up too. Cheers rise up and once again Lexa holds up her hand. The noise stops almost instantly.

"We will remember all who have been taken and avenge the dead. Jus drein jus daun (blood must have blood)!" Lexa cries.

The crowd begins chanting and Lexa stands, watching them with a pleased but firey look in her eyes.

Anya steps forward and the crowd goes quiet again. "We will celebrate Lexa and Clarke's return tonight. Remember to keep up your strength and keep your heads sharp. We have a war to win."

With that, everyone starts moving around. It looks like they're starting to get ready to set up a feast, which sounds incredible right now.

Indra walks over and greets Lexa by grasping her forearm with a smile. "It is good to have you back, Heda. Your tent as well as Clarke's have been maintained in your absence."

"Mochof (thank you), Indra. Let us go to my tent. There is much to discuss." Lexa says.

Luna and Anya follow us as we walk to Lexa's tent. I hear running from behind me and let go of Lexa's hand to look. Suddenly, I'm nearly falling over because someone's hugging me so hard.

"I am so glad that you are safe!" Artigas says, pulling back so I can see his beaming face. "I knew that even the Maunon could not keep you from us!"

I grin and ruffle his hair. He weakly protests but I can tell he doesn't really mind. "Hey, Artigas. How have you been?"

"Looking for you." He responds. He lets go of me and starts walking with us as well. "I went on every patrol Anya would let me go on."

Anya gives him a fond smile. "He was very persistent. He didn't lose hope, like some of our warriors did."

Indra holds open the flaps to Lexa's tent for us. Surprisingly, she lets Artigas in.

Lexa sits on her makeshift throne and tells the rest of us to bring over chairs. When I try to sit back with the others, Lexa gestures for me to sit next to her.

I comply and it's silent for a moment.

"So what happened?" Anya asks.

Next chapter will be full of talking and discussions... And then a nap and a feast, Lexa and Clarke certainly deserve that! Thank you all for reading and for your lovely comments! Stay awesome!